ABOUT: Elite Athletes

The Mount Desert Island Marathon and Half-Marathon have produced the fastest winning times recorded in the State of Maine for many years!


Invitational Entry

Invitational Athletes may be offered complimentary entry and other benefits at the discretion of the race committee.

Runners who can document a performance from the past two (2) years that is better than or equal to those outlined below may submit an application request for Invitational Entry:

MARATHON
Men - 2:39
Women - 3:07

HALF-MARATHON
Men - 1:14
Women - 1:27

Click HERE to learn more about awards, prize money, and course records.

  • PLEASE NOTE:

    • Submission of this application DOES NOT guarantee acceptance.

    • If a runner's qualifying performances cannot be readily verified using the information provided they will not be considered for entry.

    • If a runner is accepted for entry they will be contacted by race officials.

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Elite Entry

Elite Athletes may be offered complimentary entry, travel stipend, and/or other benefits at the discretion of the race committee.

Runners who can document a performance from the past two (2) years that is better than or equal to those outlined below may submit an application request for Elite Entry:

MARATHON
Men - 2:27
Women - 2:57

HALF-MARATHON
Men - 1:11
Women - 1:23

Click HERE to learn more about awards, prize money, and course records.

  • PLEASE NOTE:

    • Submission of this application DOES NOT guarantee acceptance.

    • If a runner's qualifying performances cannot be readily verified using the information provided they will not be considered for entry.

    • If a runner is accepted for entry they will be contacted by race officials.

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Prize Purse

Our prize purse is proudly sponsored by Crow Athletics, and structured as follows:

Marathon Prize Purse

  • 1st Overall Male & Female: $1,000

  • 2nd Overall Male & Female: $500

  • 3rd Overall Male & Female: $250



Marathon Champion Time Bonuses


Half-Marathon Prize Purse

  • 1st Overall Male & Female: $500

  • 2nd Overall Male & Female: $250

  • 3rd Overall Male & Female: $100



Half-Marathon Champion Time Bonuses

Important! The MDI Marathon & Half-Marathon have a strict "no headphones" policy for those competing for cash prizes.

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Prize Money Eligibility Policy

The MDI Marathon & Half-Marathon have a strict "no headphones" policy for those competing for cash prizes.

To be eligible for elite entry or prize purse an athlete must:

  • Not be currently serving a suspension issued by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use of a banned substance.

  • Not have ever served a ban issued by USADA or WADA for the use of performance enhancing drugs.

  • Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who have had 2 or more athletes receiving such suspensions in the previous 4 years.

  • Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who served a ban for use of performance enhancing drugs during their own athletic career*.

  • Sign a statement attesting they are in compliance with USADA and WADA anti-doping regulations related to banned substance use and if issued a doping suspension or ban in the future, they will not be allowed back at the event for any reason.

  • Consent to random drug testing according to the standards and procedures of USATF, USADA and WADA.

Any athlete that believes they have been barred from the event or the opportunity to earn prize money at the event because of mistaken identity due to near or exact name of a person currently suspended, banned or previously banned, must submit documentation certified by a notary in advance to the race director or elite athlete coordinator of the event proving that they are not the same person identified as serving a suspension, ban or previous ban. (event organizers will need to clearly outline the exact person to submit documentation to for this recourse section of the policy)

*Athletes have a duty to ensure they are represented by reputable coaches and agents and have a duty to consult the WADA list of athletes that are or have served a doping ban before signing with a coach or agent.

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Cancellation Policy

The Mount Desert Island Marathon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Entry fees, including optional add-ons, and/or charity donations, are non-refundable. No exceptions. (A limited number of deferrals may be available, see FAQ page for more information.) This no-refund policy is clearly posted and must be agreed to by all entrants at the time of registration. This policy applies to all entrants and is in effect whether the entrant’s plans change, the entrant becomes injured, or if the entrant has an unexpected family emergency / business emergency / medical emergency / or if the entrant is unable to participate for any other reason not already listed above. Once the entrant has paid the entry fee they will not receive a refund if they cannot participate, or if the event is canceled because of weather, natural disaster, public health crisis, unforeseen circumstances, or for any other reason not already listed above. (Income generated from registration is almost entirely expended prior to race day.) Bib numbers, race materials, and/or other incentive items will not be mailed. The race committee reserves the right to accept or reject any entries.